Longest Day of the Rally: Reaching the Bivouac by Towing Each Other

Thursday marked the longest single-day route of the BP Ultimate Rally Raid in Portugal. Starting in Portugal, competitors reached the city of Badajoz in Spain, where they will spend two nights. The nearly 400-kilometer special stage brought a wide range of challenges, but despite them, both CFMOTO Thunder Racing Team riders reached the finish line.

“It was a good, solid, and very changeable day – from rain to heat, from water crossings to dust. In one day, we experienced the full menu. I did have some issues – I kissed a tree. Two CV joint boots tore, the exhaust fell off, and the rear suspension arms bent, so I had to ride carefully for the last seventy kilometers,” said Antanas Kanopkinas after crossing the finish line, adding that there were many dangerous sections on the track where he had to unexpectedly jump the quad. According to him, that’s where the rear suspension suffered the most damage.

Adomas Gančierius, who set the fastest time in the quad category today, shared his excitement at the finish, saying he rode smoothly and quickly throughout the stage: “It was a really enjoyable day. In the morning, the mood wasn’t great because of heavy rain, but after about 40 kilometers I found my rhythm. I was riding like Jesus on water – gliding over the surface, with just an occasional splash. The quad is intact, everything is fine.”

After crossing the finish line, the riders still had 49 kilometers to cover to reach the bivouac – Adomas Gančierius towed Antanas Kanopkinas to avoid further damage to his quad. The mechanics will have extra work on their first evening in the Spanish bivouac.

On Friday, competitors will face a loop stage, starting and finishing in Badajoz. In total, they will cover 330 kilometers, of which 296 kilometers will be the special stage. After two days of racing, the team has already secured two stage win medals.